Same Budget. Two Cities. Completely Different Realities.

Every year, I have clients ask the same question:
“What does $1 million buy me in Calgary compared to Vancouver?”

And every year, the answer gets more dramatic.

In 2025, the gap between the two markets isn’t just big — it’s an entirely different lifestyle, value structure, and buyer experience.

Think of it like comparing a horse pasture to a parking stall.
Same cost… very different vibe. 😅

Let’s take a closer look.

🏡 Calgary: Space, Flexibility, and Actual Breathing Room

In Calgary, $1M still stretches — and stretches far.

What you can realistically get:
✔ A detached home
✔ 2,000–3,000+ sq ft
✔ 4+ bedrooms
✔ Updated finishes
✔ A real yard
✔ A double or triple garage
✔ Quiet streets, green space, pathways
✔ Mountain access within an hour

And if you’re acreage-inclined?
For $1M you can often find:
🌾 2–4 acres
🏠 A well-kept house
🏚 A barn, shop, or outbuilding
🚗 More parking than you’ll ever need

You’re not just buying a home — you’re buying lifestyle, land, and long-term value.

🏙️ Vancouver: Premium Price for Premium Density

Let’s be honest: Vancouver is stunning.
Ocean. Mountains. City.
Zero complaints there.

But when it comes to real estate value, 2025 continues the same trend:
$1M = not very much space.

What $1M typically gets you in Vancouver:
✔ A one-bedroom condo
✔ 650–800 sq ft
✔ No yard
✔ No garage
✔ Shared amenities
✔ Lots of neighbours (very close)

Sometimes you can find a small two-bedroom if the building is older or located farther from downtown — but space is scarce, and competition is intense.

You’re paying for location, density, and access… not square footage.

🔍 Why the Difference Matters in 2025

This isn’t a “Calgary vs Vancouver — which is better?” conversation.
They’re totally different markets serving totally different lifestyles.

But for many buyers — especially:
• young families
• remote workers
• move-up buyers
• people relocating from BC

…this comparison is a turning point.

Calgary offers stability, affordability, space, and lifestyle flexibility without sacrificing amenities or career opportunity.
That’s a huge 2025 draw.

🛣️ Lifestyle Differences at a Glance

CALGARY

🌳 Big yards
🚗 Easy commuting
🐶 Dog-friendly living
🌄 Weekend mountain access
🏡 Space to grow
💰 Lower taxes
🛒 Affordable cost of living
➡ Balanced family + professional lifestyle

VANCOUVER

🌊 Ocean views
🏙️ Walkability + urban energy
🚲 Car-optional lifestyle
☕ World-class food + coffee
💼 More global corporate presence
💸 High cost of living
➡ Fast-paced, urban lifestyle

Different strengths.
Different appeals.
Different financial realities.

📸 Real Buyer Example

A recent client relocated from Vancouver to Calgary with a $1M budget.
In Vancouver: they were looking at a 690 sq ft condo.
In Calgary: they bought a 2,600 sq ft detached home on a quiet street with a triple garage and a massive yard.

Same budget.
Completely different life.

💡 So Which City Is “Better”?

Neither.
It depends who you are and what stage of life you’re in.

But here’s the truth that surprises a lot of people:
If lifestyle, space, family balance, and affordability matter to you — Calgary wins in 2025, hands down.

And that’s why we’re seeing thousands of people relocate from BC to Alberta every year.

📩 Get the Full Calgary vs Vancouver Comparison Guide

I built a simple, visual comparison that breaks everything down:
📏 Square footage differences
💸 Price breakdowns
🗺️ Lifestyle trade-offs
🏡 What $1M buys in each market
⛰️ Neighbourhood examples
🚗 Commute considerations
🌆 Photos + side-by-side layouts

DM me “1M GUIDE” and I’ll send it to you personally.

❓ FAQ

Q: Is $1M a good budget in Calgary?
A: Absolutely. It puts you in move-up or near-luxury territory.

Q: Can you get a detached home for $1M in Vancouver?
A: Very rarely. Mostly older teardown-type properties or extremely small lots.

Q: Why do so many people leave BC for Alberta?
A: Value, affordability, taxes, space, and balanced living.

Q: Which city has better long-term real estate appreciation?
A: Both perform well, but Calgary offers a much lower entry point and faster lifestyle ROI.

📚 Related Reading

• 🏡 Top 5 Calgary Neighbourhoods Everyone’s Talking About in 2025

• 💡 Why Everyone’s Moving to Calgary in 2025 — And Not Just for the Oil Jobs

• 📉 Is Now a Good Time to Buy in Calgary? Here’s the 2025 Reality Check

About Kristen Edmunds

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

✨ Calgary vs Vancouver at a Glance

Thinking of moving but stuck between Calgary and Vancouver? You’re not alone — these two Canadian cities are often at the top of relocation lists. Vancouver offers ocean views, a temperate climate, and a cosmopolitan vibe, while Calgary boasts affordability, sunshine, and proximity to the Rockies.

But here’s the big question: how far does your money go in each city? Let’s break down the cost of living in Calgary vs Vancouver, side by side.

🏡 Housing Costs

Housing is the biggest factor in cost-of-living differences.

• Calgary: Average home price is about $570,000 (2025).

• Vancouver: Average home price sits closer to $1.2 million.

That’s more than double. For first-time buyers or families upsizing, Calgary stretches your dollars much further.

🏠 Rental Costs

Renters also see a major difference:

• Calgary: A two-bedroom apartment averages around $2,000/month.

• Vancouver: The same setup costs closer to $3,500+ per month.

For renters, that’s an extra $18,000+ per year in Vancouver compared to Calgary.

🛒 Everyday Expenses

Groceries, dining out, and transportation generally cost 15–20% less in Calgary than in Vancouver. For families or those who enjoy an active social life, this savings adds up quickly.

💳 Taxes

Here’s where Alberta really stands out:

• Calgary (Alberta): 0% provincial sales tax

• Vancouver (BC): 7% provincial sales tax

That means in Calgary, your big-ticket purchases (like furniture, electronics, or even a new car) cost instantly less.

🌦 Lifestyle Trade-Offs

Vancouver: Ocean access, mild winters, lush greenery year-round. Downsides? Higher housing costs, rainier weather, and smaller living spaces for your budget.

Calgary: 333 days of sunshine, proximity to the Rockies, and bigger homes for less. Downsides? Colder winters and no ocean.

✅ Final Thoughts

When comparing Calgary vs Vancouver side by side, the numbers make it clear: Calgary offers a more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing access to outdoor adventures, career opportunities, and urban amenities.

🙌 Want the full breakdown? DM me “COST” and I’ll send you my free Relocation to Calgary Guide with detailed comparisons, moving tips, and budget strategies.

❓ FAQ Section

Q: Is Vancouver’s higher cost of living worth it?

It depends on your lifestyle priorities. Vancouver offers coastal living and mild weather, but comes with significantly higher housing and rental costs.

Q: How much cheaper is Calgary than Vancouver?

On average, Calgary is 15–20% more affordable in day-to-day expenses, and housing costs are nearly 50% lower.

Q: Do higher salaries in Vancouver offset the cost?

Not always. While wages can be higher in Vancouver, the gap often doesn’t fully cover the difference in housing and taxes.

Q: Which city is better for families?

Families often prefer Calgary for affordability, larger homes, and accessible outdoor activities.

📚 Related Reading

• Hidden Costs of Relocating to Alberta

• Where Should You Live If You Work Downtown Calgary?

• Why Locals Love Living in Airdrie

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.